Kellehers Australia was recently involved in what we understand is the first VCAT ‘social effects’ decision since this became a mandatory consideration in planning applications. The decision was delivered last week in Rutherford & Ors v Hume CC (includes Summary) (Red Dot) [2014] VCAT 786.

This short article explains how VCAT approached the issue and the nature of evidence it appears to be going to require when considering significant social effects.